Coalition working to build support and educate community on marriage equality
 
WASHINGTON – The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, is teaming with Empire State Pride Agenda, Marriage Equality New York and the New York Civil Liberties Union to host an educational forum to raise support for the legalization of same-sex marriage.  The forum follows the passage of pro-marriage equality legislation in the New York State Assembly in June of 2007.  The New York State Senate is unlikely to take up the measure as the senate’s anti-equality leadership declared the bill “dead on arrival.”
 
“We need to keep the marriage momentum moving forward,” said Human Rights Campaign National Field Director Marty Rouse. “HRC is working in New York to help energize the GLBT community with an eye on this November’s elections, the results of which will have a significant impact on the future of marriage equality in the state.  It is very possible that New York will be the next state with full marriage equality.”
 
In 2006, the New York Court of Appeals ruled against marriage equality, expressly stating that this is a question for the Legislature to resolve.  Currently, same-sex couples and their children are denied access to the more than 1,500 rights and responsibilities that accompany a marriage license under New York and federal law.
 
WHAT:          
Marriage Equality Forum
 
WHO:           
The Human Rights Campaign
Empire State Pride Agenda
Marriage Equality New York
New York Civil Liberties Union
 
WHEN:          
Wednesday, January 23, 2008, at 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
 
WHERE:       
Central Synagogue of Nassau County
430 DeMott Avenue
Rockville Centre, New York 11570

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against GLBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.